The Beneteau First 40 2008 vs Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 measures 51,2 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 9,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 40 2008 at 41,4 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 tips the scales at 25 566 lbs — 8 149 lbs less than the Beneteau First 40 2008 at 17 417 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 40 hp, the Beneteau First 40 2008 has a 38-hp advantage over the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 carries 172 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Beneteau First 40 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau First 40 2008 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 40 2008 has a documented displacement of 17 417 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 40 2008 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 40 2008 has a documented auxiliary engine of 40 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 40 2008 carries 53 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 49 2012 at 51,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 40 2008 at 41,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.